Community in Service

In addition to the warm and welcoming environment, one of my dearest discoveries at Weil this summer has been the strong sense of community—both internally and in service to New York. In just the first week, I joined the Weil team at the Wall Street Run & Heart Walk for the American Heart Association and the AIDS Walk New York. At both events, the Weil team had a strong showing of community service and team pride, and every person cheered each other on as we ran (or walked) through Manhattan.

The Wall Street Run & Heart Walk brought together summer associates, attorneys, and staff across practice groups, and it was a wonderful way to meet new people in a fun setting outside of the office. As I jogged through Wall Street for the American Heart Association run, I caught up with a group of summer associates huffing and puffing along the way. Another summer associate was leading the Weil pack, cheering us on with exuberant shouts of encouragement. As we wound our way through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Financial District, I was happy to have my Weil running buddies with me. Around the three-mile mark, we made it to the Hudson River, where a fresh, cool breeze from the water gave us a motivating push to the finish line. After the run, the Weil team regrouped at a restaurant by the river to refuel and refresh. It was an excellent way to cap off the evening.

At the AIDS Walk, the Weil team ended up leading the entire group in the front as we made our way through Central Park to raise funds and awareness to combat HIV and AIDS. The walk provided a good space to talk with the attorneys about their work at the firm and their interests outside of Weil. The casual setting also provided an opportunity for informal mentorship to learn about their experiences at Weil and gain advice about starting a legal career with your best foot forward. Thank goodness I was wearing comfortable walking shoes!

I’m glad I had the chance to participate in these charity events. They reinforced to me the importance of contributing to the community in which you work, and the genuine bond of community at Weil. I look forward to more engagements this summer.